Thread repair

[Dale Finch]

I am helping a friend who has a cub with a few oversized implement holes, specifically one of the 2 that holds his sickle mower at the clutch housing. Because it has been enlarged to 3/4", the bolt holding the left side, even though it is tapered, does not fit down into the tapered sickle bracket well enough to keep the bolt from vibrating loose.

I thought I could simply helicoil the hole back to 5/8", but at 3/4" it is already too large for the helicoil drill (21/32"). Has anyone done this repair? Did you use threaded inserts? If so, do you have a part number? Or is there a better way to fix this?

When I was at his place, I noticed the left final has the same oversized implement bolts, so I'm not sure how securely those are holding the mower/drawbar either. I would like to fix it right...or at least more securely! Thanks.

[Shane N.]

They make an oversized thread insert, it's called thick wall. Here's a link to Mcmaster Carr that has all the dimensions.
https://www.mcmaster.com/90245a038

[Bob McCarty]

E-Z lok is another brand. They take a standard drill bit and tap, not STI's like a helicoil.

[Dale Finch]

I was looking at EZLOK, and if I was reading the table correctly, in order to insert one for a 5/8" fitting, the hole needs to be 1". Can you guys confirm that? And next, can you take a look at the clutch housing where the bolt holes are for the sickle bracket, and tell me if you think there is enough room for a 1" hole? 1" puts the hole pretty close to the edge of the boss (if that's what the flat area is called )

[Clubless]

Dale,

Here is picture of EZ-LOK inserts, drill bit and tap I used to repair finals on a couple of my cubs. The tap drill bit is 49/64 and the tap is 7/8-9. I repaired the implement holes while finals were on tractor. I was well pleased with results.

I can mail you the drill bit and taps if you like, would just need your address.

Gary

[Dale Finch]

If my math is correct, the current bolt is a 3/4", which is 48/64", which means there's JUST enough metal for your 49/64" drill. That would be fantastic! I will get the info from the inserts so I can replace what I use. Thank you!

Sending PM!

[Bob McCarty]

Dale, for future reference, I think they come in thin, standard, and thick walls so you can match it to the hole size you're correcting.

[tenn terry t]

this might make folks cringe but I have one cub that the holes on both sides are wallowed out. I have 3/4 all thread rod thru the bell housing with nuts and lock washers on both sides

[Jim Becker]

this might make folks cringe but I have one cub that the holes on both sides are wallowed out. I have 3/4 all thread rod thru the bell housing with nuts and lock washers on both sides

That will never stay tight, particularly for the mower. The threads of the all thread will wear through the casting even faster than most other things that could be in that place.

[Super A]

I had a similar problem on my tractor. For of the implement holes on the torque tube had stripped, someone had tried to drill/rethread and they stripped again. Holes were right at 1" in diameter. I was able to get Shane to drill and make thread inserts for it. It was a mess but he made it look like nothing had ever happened!

Al

[tenn terry t]

this might make folks cringe but I have one cub that the holes on both sides are wallowed out. I have 3/4 all thread rod thru the bell housing with nuts and lock washers on both sides

That will never stay tight, particularly for the mower. The threads of the all thread will wear through the casting even faster than most other things that could be in that place.

yea well its only been on there for the five or so years that ive had it so I guess time will tell

[Nelson 634]

this might make folks cringe but I have one cub that the holes on both sides are wallowed out. I have 3/4 all thread rod thru the bell housing with nuts and lock washers on both sides

I think Jim Becker has a point. Think about the load with a snow plow or the vibration with a sickle bar mower. Maybe you don't have these implements but it limits what you are able to do with your cub. Just a thought. Walter